In January 2025, Lin Mao, a former executive of a renowned Chinese enterprise, recounted his harrowing journey from success to exile in Canada. Despite contributing millions in taxes, a single online comment about the government cost him everything, forcing him to flee his homeland. Today, he reflects on the heavy price of speaking his mind and his newfound freedom.
Lin Mao had a prosperous career in China’s metallurgical industry. After leaving a state-owned enterprise in Jiangxi, he pursued higher earnings by joining one of the nation’s largest mining companies, Xinjiang Zijin Mining. Starting as a regular employee, he worked his way up to middle management, eventually earning an enviable annual salary of over 600,000 yuan (comparable to US$100,000 in purchasing power). But behind his glittering career, Lin Mao grew increasingly disillusioned with China’s political system.
From apathy to awakening
“At first, we didn’t care about politics and just focused on living our lives,” Lin Mao explained. However, as more information became accessible, he discovered disturbing truths hidden by official propaganda. He learned about shocking events like the Great Famine’s real causes and the government’s scandals through foreign media and tools to bypass Internet censorship. These revelations shook his faith in the system.
Lin Mao’s awakening deepened as he read about the unjust treatment of human rights lawyers and activists, such as Gao Zhisheng and Zhang Zhan. “These were well-off professionals who risked everything for justice,” he remarked. Their stories highlighted the vulnerability of ordinary citizens under an oppressive regime. Despite his growing doubts, Lin Mao attempted to maintain a low profile, but he couldn’t ignore the government’s tightening grip on free speech.
Criticizing leadership during lockdowns
In 2022, during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Xinjiang, Lin Mao anonymously criticized President Xi Jinping’s policies on Twitter, calling them “inhumane.” The harsh lockdowns had led to tragic incidents, including suicides. Lin Mao’s comments, however, didn’t remain anonymous for long. In March 2024, local authorities summoned him for questioning, accusing him of “publishing content that attacked national leaders and promoted separatism.” He believes Tencent, the company behind his email provider, shared his information with the authorities.
Despite denying the accusations, Lin Mao faced relentless interrogations. Officials seized his phone, exposing his internet activity. “At that moment, I knew there was no escape. They had all the evidence,” he recalled. Lin Mao was sentenced to 12 days of administrative detention — a grim preview of what was to come.
A harrowing detention experience
Lin Mao described his 12-day detention as “hellish.” Confined to a cramped cell, he endured constant humiliation. Meals consisted of watery carrot soup served in bowls placed on the floor, forcing detainees to eat while crouching. Basic hygiene was a luxury, with showers allowed only once a week. Lin Mao’s previous heart surgery added to his suffering, as the lack of proper nutrition took a toll on his health.
The ordeal wasn’t just physical — it was psychological. Bright lights remained on 24/7, making rest impossible. Any attempt to cover one’s eyes or head was met with blaring loudspeaker warnings. “They treated us like animals, breaking us down to make us submissive,” Lin Mao said.
Losing everything overnight
After his release, Lin Mao’s company terminated his contract, citing “political issues.” With his record tarnished, he could not find new employment and was denied unemployment benefits. “I paid taxes for years, yet I was left with nothing,” he lamented. Realizing he had no future in China, Lin Mao made a life-altering decision — to leave the country for good.
He obtained visas for the UK and the U.S., and in August 2024, he departed for Hong Kong, where he boarded a flight to San Francisco. From there, he traveled to Buffalo and crossed into Canada, seeking asylum. “Walking across the bridge in the rain, pushing my luggage, I felt a mix of sorrow and liberation,” he said.
Canadian border officials welcomed Lin Mao and approved his refugee application, allowing him to reunite with his son, who was already studying there. “Canada truly respects human rights,” he remarked.
A call to action for truth and freedom
Despite starting over in a new country, he has no regrets. “I’ll never believe the Communist Party’s lies again. Life is too short to live in fear of speaking the truth,” he said. Lin Mao encourages others in China to seek the truth, even under challenging circumstances. “Protect yourself, but don’t give up. Find ways to access information and share it with others,” he urged.
To overseas Chinese, Lin Mao had a powerful message: “Those of us in the free world have a duty to speak out for those still suffering. Silence is complicity. We must unite to resist authoritarianism and defend freedom.”
Lin Mao’s story symbolizes the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. “Even if my voice is small, if everyone speaks out, one day we can topple the mountain of oppression,” he said.
Translated article
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